Council workers praised by residents

Shortly before 6 pm on Thursday 27 October, emergency teams were called after two men gained access to the building and caused damage to the sprinklers on the top floor.

Council workers praised by residents

Teams from Stoke-on-Trent City Council are being praised for reactive work after recent vandalism at a high-rise tower block, causing over 60 residents to be displaced for five days.

Shortly before 10 am on Thursday 27 October, emergency teams were called after two men gained access to the building and caused damage to the sprinklers on the top floor.

Teams, including those from Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire, Unitas, Western Power and the city council were on site in 15 minutes,

It wasn’t just teams at the site who were heavily involved in the salvation mission, teams were deployed remotely to help arrange transport, accommodation, and meals for residents.

Councillor Carl Edwards, cabinet member for housing and environment said: “Hearing such positive resident feedback really helps highlight the amazing work our teams do, day in and day out, that often gets overlooked. I have been to visit some of the residents at St. Lukes and heard firsthand how well handled the emergency situation was handled. I am incredibly grateful to all members of staff involved.”

A number of residents praised the council for the swift action and the excellent job the teams on the ground did in orchestrating residents into temporary accommodation.

“Everyone did an amazing job, thank you”, advised one resident, with another stating. “Full compliments to all officers who provided help and support. I am very impressed with how quickly everyone responded. They did an excellent job” and further feedback concluded “My mum is on the 6th floor and has mobility issues, they helped move her safely and were very supportive, given her nerves. They helped move her with her wheelchair and helped her back in when the lifts weren’t working”

Gavin Ward, Housing Team Manager said: “Residents were successfully supported following a coordinated team effort of council officers and partnership colleagues, both on the ground and back at base. This support also continued during the days that followed the incident and until residents were able to safely return back to their homes”.